Every Tuesday on Boston.com, questions from fans are answered as part of our weekly Patriots mailbag. This week's mailbag has been posted (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extras/askreiss/06_10_08/)and includes some of the following topics:
How will this year's defensive backfield, with many new faces, take shape?
A tale of the tape between Jerod Mayo and Patrick Willis.
Clearing up some confusion with remarks made by QB Tom Brady.
Explaining how a veteran can make $730,000 and only count $471,000 against the salary cap.
Following up on the situation involving offensive tackle Nick Kaczur.
Readers disagreeing with the thought that the Dolphins would not trade Jason Taylor to the Patriots.

The Patriots concluded their mandatory three-day minicamp over the weekend. The minicamp capped off a three-week stretch of organized team activities (OTAs), which I was told were attended by every member of the team.

I wanted to lead off this week's mailbag with that point, noting the full attendance for OTAs.

While the minicamp was mandatory, the OTAs were voluntary. Yet every member of the team was present.

I think that point was probably undersold, and highlights the work ethic and approach the Patriots are taking entering the 2008 season.

Some wonder how the team will respond to the tough Super Bowl defeat. Based on the attendance at OTAs, and the intensity and focus seen at the minicamp, the feeling here is that the Patriots won't be suffering from any hangover effect.

Reiss also notes Colvin has been passing his physical with the teams he has been visiting.